Of all four (04) designated gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi Forest, the Nkuringo region in southern Uganda is the most accessible gorilla trekking point from Kigali (Rwanda). The drive from Kigali to Nkuringo Region takes about 5-hours and a great section Of it is on properly paved roads with only the last 1hr30minutes being on a dirt road (Ugandan side). Both the Rwandan and Uganda leg of the 5 -hours drive from Kigali is very scenic – we recommend keeping your camera handy!
What to Expect: Getting to Nkuringo from Kigali
Realm Africa Safaris™ will either pick you up from your hotel or straight off your flight arriving at Kigali International Airport. We will then drive you towards the southern border crossing of Cyanika. At Cyanika your guide will assist you to get through immigrations however, you need to have the following things well in advance prior to your arrival in Kigali.
- A negative PCR test is done at least 72 hours prior to flying into Rwanda.
- An East African tourist visa valid for 90 Days (costs $100). Apply online here.
- You need to be wearing a face mask all through your safari especially in public places.
- You need not have traveled to India on the recent day of the second wave COVID-19 outbreak.
After presenting all the above documents, you should be cleared out of Rwanda and also easily cleared into Uganda. However, note that entry requirements do change over time – we will continue to endeavor to keep you updated about these.
You will then proceed to Kisoro town where you could opt to enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee and or continue with the drive to your lodge in the Nkuringo region of bwindi – a journey that will take you about 1hr30minutes from Kisoro town. You’ll arrive, check in and have lunch at your lodge. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Caution: Given that gorilla trekking can be a challenging activity, we recommend not getting so involved in very rigorous activities the day before your trek but rather focus on sparing yourself for the trek – we know the gorilla permit cost quite a bit and you, therefore, wouldn’t want to waste this by failing to make it to the gorillas because you unwisely run down your energies in some community trek. Please take our advice!
